Head of Plant Operations

Popup Bagels • Meriden, CT

9d • Onsite

About The Position

PopUp Bagels is seeking a Head of Plant Operations to lead their Meriden, CT bagel and cream cheese production facility. This facility is the foundation of what makes PopUp thrive each day. This is a senior leadership role with full ownership of the plant: from the moment raw materials come through the door to the second finished goods ship out to shops around the country. The right person for this role isn't just an operator; they're a true builder. A problem-solver who isn’t afraid to roll up their sleeves and create solutions, a leader who earns trust on the floor just as easily as they collaborate with the executive team, someone who can set the strategy and then go make it happen. This role is the bridge between the production floor and our leadership team, and you'll have the autonomy to shape how we operate, how our people grow, and how we scale. If you are the driven leader who thrives in fast-moving environments and always find a way, then this is the role for you.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Food Science, Engineering, Operations Management, Business Administration, or a related field required. Master's degree (MBA or MS) preferred. Equivalent combinations of relevant education and experience will be considered.
• 10–15 years of progressive plant or manufacturing operations leadership, with at least 5 years in a senior or executive role with full P&L accountability.
• Experience leading operations in both lean, entrepreneurial/startup environments and larger, high-volume facilities.
• Proven track record of building high-performing, multi-department management teams.
• Familiarity with food safety regulatory frameworks: FSMA, HACCP, GMP, and third-party audit standards (SQF, BRC, AIB).
• Strong financial acumen with budget development, cost analysis, P&L management.
• Working knowledge of production cost drivers, manufacturing KPIs, and continuous improvement methodologies (Lean, Production Excellence, or equivalent).
• Experience partnering with corporate finance, supply chain, and distribution in a matrixed organization.
• Proven success implementing capital improvement projects that drive efficiency.
• A history of building positive, rewarding workplace cultures for hourly workforces.

Nice To Haves

• Prior food and beverage industry experience strongly preferred; dough-based, dairy, or yeast-based product experience (baked goods, spreads) is a significant plus.
• Availability and willingness to be on-call on weekends and off-hours to respond to facility disruptions or emergencies.

Responsibilities

• Run the Facility: Provide operational oversight across Warehouse, QA, Sanitation, Equipment Maintenance, Cream Cheese Production, and Bagel Production. Establish SOPs, build production schedules, drive throughput targets, and continuously sharpen how we operate.
• Lead People Who Make an Impact: Recruit, develop, and retain a workforce that makes a genuine impact at PopUp Bagels. Coach middle and senior managers, build out training programs, and create an environment where accountability and recognition go hand in hand.
• Own the Numbers: Manage production costs, labor efficiency, waste reduction, and capital planning. Partner closely with Finance and Accounting on budgeting, forecasting, and period-end reporting. Regularly present facility performance to senior leadership. Drive savings without compromising quality, safety, or people.
• Drive Supply Chain Alignment: Work directly with the VP of Supply Chain to align production schedules with material availability. Oversee raw material procurement planning, inventory controls, warehouse operations, and ensure FIFO and food safety standards are never an afterthought.
• Lead Food Safety & Regulatory Compliance: Ensure full compliance with FDA regulations, FSMA requirements, HACCP plans, and third-party audit standards (SQF, BRC). Partner with the President of Operations to maintain rigorous in-process and finished product quality standards.
• Collaborate Across the Company: Represent plant operations in company-wide leadership meetings and collaborate with Distribution & Logistics, Supply Chain, and corporate leadership. Translate what's happening on the floor into insights that shape strategy, and bring executive decisions back to the team in ways that resonate and motivate.

Benefits

• We do not discriminate based on race, age, ancestry, creed, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, pregnancy, childbirth or related condition, unemployment status, gender identity or expression, transgender status, marital status, domestic violence or sexual violence victim status, national origin, citizenship, disability, covered veteran and/or military status, genetic information, familial status, or any other characteristic protected under applicable federal, state, and local law.
• PopUp Bagels conducts pre-employment screenings in compliance with local, state, and federal laws, and utilizes E-Verify to confirm U.S. employment eligibility.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior